Since this a is a 'smart discussion' group then I think its right that I say this here. Ever heard of what's called confirmation bias?

People develop theories or see patterns from what may seem as seemingly random events (read hunches) and say I know whats going on here. Then they come up with a test to see if they are right. We don't prove that we are wrong and thats the problem.

To me all religions are essentially the same. They ask us to do good etc. etc. some because we should (eg. Buddhism, Hinduism) some because of a promise of a better afterlife (sounds like bribery/threat to me). I personally take it as a form of guidelines that I should follow.

True.....thats why the world is what it is now.

From taboos to customs to cultures including clothing.

They are factored based on geographic factors and timely events. Even the Chinese in Malaysia and those in China have different habits.

We here eat accordingly and those in Beijing say that if the plate is empty I'm not a good host.

The same goes for religion. What a person perceives a a certain time will cause a person to believe more or less.

Take those who go seek for help when a relative is sick. That I believe is a common case. Lets say he/she is a buddhist and he/she goes to a church (upon recommendation from a friend) to pray for a sick relative. When the relative is cured, then he/she will point finger at church and say its because of that religion. But what if it was just the medicine ? (which most of the time is the case) and the person went to a mosque?

It is a fact that we see patterns where there are non. Is part of our brains function so that we simplify things. Thats why gut instinct is also actually guessing. Just with experience to add.

The world is a full of different ideas and opinions. Take a look around and just read about customs of each sub-continent (eg. africa, us, canada, parts of europe, north/south/east/west asia/australia) and you will see.

Regardless of which religion. As long as people go around saying that mine is better than yours instead of just accepting differences it will remain as such. I am willing to bet that in arab, they don't paint a pretty picture of the westerners as well.